This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Kara Lunsford, a Laurel
Hello beautiful sisters! I am so grateful for this opportunity to speak to you wonderful women.
About three weeks ago Sister Adams and Sister Wensel came and asked me if I would be willing to talk at this women's conference. Surprisingly, I was super excited! They asked me to accept this 21-day challenge given by Wendy Watson Nelson. This challenge is to “make a sacrifice of time to the Lord by increasing time in family history and in temple work.” I was very excited about this and to learn and become closer to my Savior.
At the beginning, I did all right with the challenge. I was more focused on what happened and what I could share with you women than how it affected me personally in my life. I didn’t notice a huge difference in how I felt or how happy I was. After that, I didn’t do anything for about a week and a half, partly because I was sick and partly because I wasn't sure what to do and it just didn’t really cross my mind.
However, this past Sunday, my cute mom came and asked me how it was going, and I was completely honest with her. I told her I wasn’t sure what to do or why I was chosen to do this. She told me not to worry about what already happened, (or didn’t happen, haha), but to just focus on what I can do this week.
Showing posts with label stories by youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stories by youth. Show all posts
Witnessing the Love of the Lord for Me and My Ancestors
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Brynn Meredith, a Laurel
What a blessing it has been for me to take part in the preparation for this conference. I was challenged to take part in the 21-day challenge at the beginning of January, and it has been amazing for me to witness the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and our ancestors that came before us.
Sister Wensel and Sister Adams came and visited me and asked me to take part and be ready to share my findings. They also gave me a talk to read from a BYU women’s conference about this 21-day challenge. The challenge is about a sacrifice of time to the Lord. The action that I choose to take for this challenge was indexing and going to the temple once a week with my sister.
When I first received the challenge, I was admittedly really worried that I would not only be unable to find something I could consistently do, but that I would not be able to share the importance of it with you. I will also admit that before this challenge, I had never really learned how to use the FamilySearch software. But I felt very strongly that indexing was something that I would be able to do every day and that it was an important part in this work.
By Brynn Meredith, a Laurel
What a blessing it has been for me to take part in the preparation for this conference. I was challenged to take part in the 21-day challenge at the beginning of January, and it has been amazing for me to witness the love that our Father in Heaven has for us and our ancestors that came before us.
Sister Wensel and Sister Adams came and visited me and asked me to take part and be ready to share my findings. They also gave me a talk to read from a BYU women’s conference about this 21-day challenge. The challenge is about a sacrifice of time to the Lord. The action that I choose to take for this challenge was indexing and going to the temple once a week with my sister.
When I first received the challenge, I was admittedly really worried that I would not only be unable to find something I could consistently do, but that I would not be able to share the importance of it with you. I will also admit that before this challenge, I had never really learned how to use the FamilySearch software. But I felt very strongly that indexing was something that I would be able to do every day and that it was an important part in this work.
As We Submit Our Time to the Lord, He Showers Us with Blessings
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
by Bethany Bown, a Laurel
Hello. My name is Bethany Bown. I’m a senior class officer at Davis High, a ballerina at Clytie Adams school of ballet, and a shopaholic. This may give you the impression that I am a busy girl, which I am, but I know it doesn’t even compare to being close to busy as all of you women, mothers, and friends.
The past 21 days I’ve taken part in an amazing opportunity that has brought blessings and great peace into my busy days. This is an opportunity I’d like to extend to each of you today. It’s called the 21-day sacrifice. You focus on keeping your covenants for 21 days and sacrifice something in order to do so. It’s as simple as that.
Wendy Watson Nelson was the one to initiate it in her address at the BYU Women’s Conference in 2015. She promised this along with her challenge: “When covenant women keep their covenants, they have greater access to the power of God. The power of God flows into them, and that power, His power, generates a decrease in stress, an increase in energy, more and clearer revelation for their lives, renewed focus, courage to make needed changes, an increase in patience, and more time for what matters.”
I can testify that she meant what she promised. The past couple weeks as I’ve taken part in this challenge, I’ve been more relaxed and focused on what really matters. One Saturday afternoon, my mom and I decided to go to the temple. It was about an hour wait. Instead of leaving because we had other things to do that day, we decided to stay. This was so worth it.
by Bethany Bown, a Laurel
Hello. My name is Bethany Bown. I’m a senior class officer at Davis High, a ballerina at Clytie Adams school of ballet, and a shopaholic. This may give you the impression that I am a busy girl, which I am, but I know it doesn’t even compare to being close to busy as all of you women, mothers, and friends.
The past 21 days I’ve taken part in an amazing opportunity that has brought blessings and great peace into my busy days. This is an opportunity I’d like to extend to each of you today. It’s called the 21-day sacrifice. You focus on keeping your covenants for 21 days and sacrifice something in order to do so. It’s as simple as that.
Wendy Watson Nelson was the one to initiate it in her address at the BYU Women’s Conference in 2015. She promised this along with her challenge: “When covenant women keep their covenants, they have greater access to the power of God. The power of God flows into them, and that power, His power, generates a decrease in stress, an increase in energy, more and clearer revelation for their lives, renewed focus, courage to make needed changes, an increase in patience, and more time for what matters.”
I can testify that she meant what she promised. The past couple weeks as I’ve taken part in this challenge, I’ve been more relaxed and focused on what really matters. One Saturday afternoon, my mom and I decided to go to the temple. It was about an hour wait. Instead of leaving because we had other things to do that day, we decided to stay. This was so worth it.
As We Keep Our Covenants, Christ Builds Us Up
This talk was given at the 2019 stake women's conference.
By Emma Nelson, a Laurel
I love the theme of "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path" because it is so important and applicable throughout our lives. Heavenly Father has asked us to do our best to keep our covenants, and through them comes joy. It is not always easy to find joy, especially during trials or hard times, but we need to trust our Heavenly Father and do what he has asked of us.
President Nelson said, “The highest compliment is to be called a covenant keeper.” This should be something we strive for, not because it is a compliment of the highest, but by keeping our covenants we show God how important our relationship with Him is to us.
Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if the Church was true. Every Sunday I would grudgingly go to church to renew my baptismal covenants and try to learn of Christ, not even knowing if He was there for me. After months of struggling, I was writing my frustration and feeling in my journal but got an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I knew my Savior because I was renewing my baptismal covenants as I was trying to learn of Him. He has such a deep love for all of us that He will NEVER leave us on our own.
I’ve come to learn through trials that Christ lets us doubt to build us up stronger than we were before. Think about building muscles. As you work out your muscles, they are torn before they rebuild stronger. I feel we are like this as well. Sometimes we doubt, are torn, or broken, but by us always keeping our covenants, Christ helps to rebuild us stronger than ever.
By Emma Nelson, a Laurel
I love the theme of "Rejoicing on the Covenant Path" because it is so important and applicable throughout our lives. Heavenly Father has asked us to do our best to keep our covenants, and through them comes joy. It is not always easy to find joy, especially during trials or hard times, but we need to trust our Heavenly Father and do what he has asked of us.
President Nelson said, “The highest compliment is to be called a covenant keeper.” This should be something we strive for, not because it is a compliment of the highest, but by keeping our covenants we show God how important our relationship with Him is to us.
Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if the Church was true. Every Sunday I would grudgingly go to church to renew my baptismal covenants and try to learn of Christ, not even knowing if He was there for me. After months of struggling, I was writing my frustration and feeling in my journal but got an overwhelming feeling of peace and love. I knew my Savior because I was renewing my baptismal covenants as I was trying to learn of Him. He has such a deep love for all of us that He will NEVER leave us on our own.
I’ve come to learn through trials that Christ lets us doubt to build us up stronger than we were before. Think about building muscles. As you work out your muscles, they are torn before they rebuild stronger. I feel we are like this as well. Sometimes we doubt, are torn, or broken, but by us always keeping our covenants, Christ helps to rebuild us stronger than ever.
Young Women: Blessed by the Temple
Labels:
stories by youth,
temple
by Heather Gardiner
One day I was at the temple with my cousins when a temple worker came up to us and started talking about how us doing temple baptisms was making our ancestors so happy, and that they were probably having a party for these people who were just baptized. He went on to say that those who we had just performed baptisms for would bless us for doing their work. It made me so happy to hear this and I have never forgotten what he said to us.
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by K.F.
As a young woman in the Ogden Temple District I had the opportunity to participate in the Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration. This was a wonderful experience that strengthened the youth in so many ways. I know that my testimony of the temple has been strengthened because I participated and felt the Spirit so strongly. I know that families can be together because of the power of the temple. I look forward to entering the temple soon and making my own covenants with the Lord. I hope each person may come to the knowledge of the temple and the peace it brings into our lives.
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by A.B.
The Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration was an uplifting and enlightening experience. It was amazing to see so many youth sing together in honor of the temple. This experience has strengthened my testimony so much of the purpose of our temples. The Ogden Temple is so beautiful and it was an honor to perform the numbers at the celebration.
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by M.W.
The Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration was very spiritual. It was amazing to come together as sons and daughters and perform in something so fun, so very important, and very, very spiritual. I have never felt the Spirit so strongly before performing in the Cultural Celebration. I know this church is true. I know He lives, and so does the Gospel.
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| Photo from LDS.org. Used with permission. |
One day I was at the temple with my cousins when a temple worker came up to us and started talking about how us doing temple baptisms was making our ancestors so happy, and that they were probably having a party for these people who were just baptized. He went on to say that those who we had just performed baptisms for would bless us for doing their work. It made me so happy to hear this and I have never forgotten what he said to us.
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by K.F.
As a young woman in the Ogden Temple District I had the opportunity to participate in the Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration. This was a wonderful experience that strengthened the youth in so many ways. I know that my testimony of the temple has been strengthened because I participated and felt the Spirit so strongly. I know that families can be together because of the power of the temple. I look forward to entering the temple soon and making my own covenants with the Lord. I hope each person may come to the knowledge of the temple and the peace it brings into our lives.
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by A.B.
The Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration was an uplifting and enlightening experience. It was amazing to see so many youth sing together in honor of the temple. This experience has strengthened my testimony so much of the purpose of our temples. The Ogden Temple is so beautiful and it was an honor to perform the numbers at the celebration.
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by M.W.
The Ogden Temple Cultural Celebration was very spiritual. It was amazing to come together as sons and daughters and perform in something so fun, so very important, and very, very spiritual. I have never felt the Spirit so strongly before performing in the Cultural Celebration. I know this church is true. I know He lives, and so does the Gospel.
Women's Conference 2015: My Testimony of the Temple, by Paige List
Labels:
stories by youth,
temple,
Women's Conference 2015
by Paige List
What wonderful voices we’ve heard today, from singing and from testimonies. I’ve felt really blessed to hear these. As I was walking through the door today to come and practice at 7:50, I saw a model of the temple, and as I was walking through and looking through the doors of other rooms, there were paintings of temples. Just looking at them, even though it was not the real thing, touched my heart.
It is the most amazing and blessed thing to have a temple on this earth. Even if you are not actually there, just to know the temple is the Lord’s house and it’s actually here for us is such a blessing to me. We get to go into the Lord’s house, and even though we cannot see Him at this time, we can be in His house, and feel His presence. The temple is such a blessing to me in that way--I always feel the Lord’s presence in me whenever I go there, there is no doubt of it. Even when I just see the temple as I’m driving by, it is an amazing experience for me.
It Was So Pure and Bright
Labels:
stories by youth,
temple
A few young women shared their testimonies of the importance of the temple.
by Jessica
I like going to the temple. I feel the Spirit there.
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by Anastasia
My first time in the temple was a great time. I had gone to a temple open house before and it was amazing. I saw where the baptisms for the dead were done. I was so happy and was filled with joy when I went through the temple, and the rest of my day was filled with the Spirit. I love to go the temple.
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by Alix
Walking into the celestial room felt like walking into heaven. The Spirit was the strongest I have ever felt before.
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by Bethany
One time I went to the temple by myself. It was so amazing to have that opportunity. I could feel the Spirit a lot more and also the love of the temple workers. After that visit I have loved to go to the temple. On another temple visit a temple worker who was performing confirmations pointed out that those people had waited over 400 years to get baptized.
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by Baylee
My favorite part of going to the Ogden Temple open house was the celestial room. It was so pure and bright. Once each group got in there it was very quiet and spiritual. I also loved the baptismal font.
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by Maddi
When I did baptisms for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple I felt different than usual. I felt calm, happy, clean, and pure.
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by Jessica
One of the many great experiences I have had in the temple is the sealing of my family. I truly felt the Spirit and the true importance of families. Being sealed by my great-grandpa to my sister and parents for eternity was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Even as a seven-year-old I truly felt the Spirit.
by Jessica
I like going to the temple. I feel the Spirit there.
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by Anastasia
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| photo of Salt Lake Temple celestial room from Moroni10.com |
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by Alix
Walking into the celestial room felt like walking into heaven. The Spirit was the strongest I have ever felt before.
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by Bethany
One time I went to the temple by myself. It was so amazing to have that opportunity. I could feel the Spirit a lot more and also the love of the temple workers. After that visit I have loved to go to the temple. On another temple visit a temple worker who was performing confirmations pointed out that those people had waited over 400 years to get baptized.
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by Baylee
My favorite part of going to the Ogden Temple open house was the celestial room. It was so pure and bright. Once each group got in there it was very quiet and spiritual. I also loved the baptismal font.
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by Maddi
When I did baptisms for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple I felt different than usual. I felt calm, happy, clean, and pure.
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by Jessica
One of the many great experiences I have had in the temple is the sealing of my family. I truly felt the Spirit and the true importance of families. Being sealed by my great-grandpa to my sister and parents for eternity was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. Even as a seven-year-old I truly felt the Spirit.
Young Women Testify of the Temple
Labels:
stories by youth,
temple,
testimony
by Rachel
I have had a great love of the temple since I was a little girl. I remember watching my mom prepare to go by ironing her clothes. I remember my grandpa getting up at 4:00 in the morning to go work in the Salt Lake and Bountiful temples. He had a deep love for the temples, and it rubbed off on me. I love the peace that I feel as I enter the temple. I love the quiet and clean atmosphere that invites the Spirit. I know that I can go to the temple and feel my Heavenly Father’s love. This year I have attended the San Diego, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Ogden, Jordan River, and Washington D.C. temples. The Spirit is the same in all these temples. I am grateful for this love that I have for the House of the Lord.
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by Ariadne
My experience going to the Ogden Temple was beautiful. I think that the temples, all the temples, are places where you can really feel the Holy Ghost. The temple is a place that is pure and sacred.
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by Kirsten
I love attending a temple open house because it gives me the rare chance to see parts of the temple I would normally not be able to. Being able to go through and see the other rooms gets me excited for my future, and I have high hopes for the rest of my life.
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by Elizabeth
I love the temple SO much! At the Ogden Temple open house I had a great time. When I walked into the sealing room it was like a wave came over me--a wave of the Spirit. It was awesome.
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by Jessica Gray
I have done a lot of family history work in the last year. I have a lot of ancestors whose names I have found and been able to perform baptisms for them. I have a strong testimony of family history. Lately I have been doing a lot of research with my dad for my great-great-grandmother Rosie May Smith. We have found most of her kids but not her parents yet.
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by Hannah
I went to the Ogden Temple open house with my cousin. She is my age and was baptized when she was eleven, but she was inactive and her stepparents were very unsupportive. Fortunately the week she was with her real dad (my mom’s brother) she was able to come with me to the Ogden Temple. I watched her light up going from room to room. After we had walked though the celestial room she told me that she was going to go back to that room someday.
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by Emma
I remember sitting in the visitors' center next to the temple. I was there with my whole family, which was something that happened a lot due to the sports in my family. I was sitting next to my older brother when the topic of the Second Coming came up. We began talking to him about the general conferences that would happen when Christ came. The thoughts came of who was going to be there with us. I’m grateful I am sealed to my family for eternity through temples. I’m grateful that we have temples all around us.
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by Aumberlee
The first time I went to the temple was to do baptisms for the dead was for ancestors of mine. When my family was in the car driving home I felt this warmth in my heart that I had never felt before. It felt as if my ancestors were thanking me for the work I done for them. It was a feeling I want to have with me forever. I can’t wait until I can go the temple again.
I have had a great love of the temple since I was a little girl. I remember watching my mom prepare to go by ironing her clothes. I remember my grandpa getting up at 4:00 in the morning to go work in the Salt Lake and Bountiful temples. He had a deep love for the temples, and it rubbed off on me. I love the peace that I feel as I enter the temple. I love the quiet and clean atmosphere that invites the Spirit. I know that I can go to the temple and feel my Heavenly Father’s love. This year I have attended the San Diego, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Ogden, Jordan River, and Washington D.C. temples. The Spirit is the same in all these temples. I am grateful for this love that I have for the House of the Lord.
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| photo of Bountiful Temple from LDS.org used with permission |
by Ariadne
My experience going to the Ogden Temple was beautiful. I think that the temples, all the temples, are places where you can really feel the Holy Ghost. The temple is a place that is pure and sacred.
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by Kirsten
I love attending a temple open house because it gives me the rare chance to see parts of the temple I would normally not be able to. Being able to go through and see the other rooms gets me excited for my future, and I have high hopes for the rest of my life.
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by Elizabeth
I love the temple SO much! At the Ogden Temple open house I had a great time. When I walked into the sealing room it was like a wave came over me--a wave of the Spirit. It was awesome.
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by Jessica Gray
I have done a lot of family history work in the last year. I have a lot of ancestors whose names I have found and been able to perform baptisms for them. I have a strong testimony of family history. Lately I have been doing a lot of research with my dad for my great-great-grandmother Rosie May Smith. We have found most of her kids but not her parents yet.
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by Hannah
I went to the Ogden Temple open house with my cousin. She is my age and was baptized when she was eleven, but she was inactive and her stepparents were very unsupportive. Fortunately the week she was with her real dad (my mom’s brother) she was able to come with me to the Ogden Temple. I watched her light up going from room to room. After we had walked though the celestial room she told me that she was going to go back to that room someday.
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by Emma
I remember sitting in the visitors' center next to the temple. I was there with my whole family, which was something that happened a lot due to the sports in my family. I was sitting next to my older brother when the topic of the Second Coming came up. We began talking to him about the general conferences that would happen when Christ came. The thoughts came of who was going to be there with us. I’m grateful I am sealed to my family for eternity through temples. I’m grateful that we have temples all around us.
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by Aumberlee
The first time I went to the temple was to do baptisms for the dead was for ancestors of mine. When my family was in the car driving home I felt this warmth in my heart that I had never felt before. It felt as if my ancestors were thanking me for the work I done for them. It was a feeling I want to have with me forever. I can’t wait until I can go the temple again.
The Smile That Was Glued to My Face
Labels:
stories by youth,
temple
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| photos of Ogden Temple cultural celebration by Paul Steiner |
This year I had the opportunity to be part of the Ogden Temple cultural celebration. It unified us as young women in my ward and youth in the stake. As we went through the dress rehearsal the day of the celebration, it was a bit of a mess and needed help. I was part of the temple picture flip at the end and had gone to the practice but had no idea what to do. They had explained it well, but after we practiced it was better.
During the rest of the rehearsal, especially when we had to fix numbers, I was worried and wondered how it would all come together. Miraculously it did, and it was amazing! At the end the Spirit was the strongest and most unified I have ever felt. Everyone was unified and genuinely excited and in anticipation of this temple. I was more excited for it than I ever had been previously.
During the rehearsal a priesthood leader came in and pronounced a blessing on all of us. We were blessed that we should remember forever how we felt at that time. I do remember! I wrote about it in my journal, and every time someone brings this experience up in conversation I get that feeling. My seminary teacher sometimes plays these songs, and that feeling of joy and happiness returns, and that smile that was glued to my face comes back again.
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by Sara Jones
This past year I have been able to be a part of the Ogden Temple cultural celebration. This strengthened my testimony of the temple so much, and I am so grateful that I could be a part of that.
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by Jessica Wood
I went to the temple with family names that I had found myself. I could feel the difference. My family from Texas came to visit and we all got to do the temple work together. I loved going with my family--my grandma just had such a proud look on her face!
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by C. R.
When I went to the temple I felt like nothing mattered except for all of the important things. I did feel the Holy Ghost like I never have before. I know that all of my family that has passed was there with me. I felt clean just like I did right after my baptism. Since I am a holy woman I will do all that I need to in order to make it back to heaven.
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Being able to participate in the Ogden Temple cultural celebration, "Shine the Light," was so amazing. All of the kids that were there were so involved. It was amazing to be in the building with such a strong Spirit, and I will forever remember that experience.
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by Sydney Peterson
I felt really good participating in the Ogden Temple cultural celebration. It was such a cool experience to be able to perform in front of apostles. It was so neat to see so many youth sharing their testimonies through song and dance. The Spirit was so strong there, and I learned so much.
I Had a Feeling I Never Had Before
Labels:
family history,
self-worth,
stories by youth,
temple
These stories from youth show a love of family history and temple work and a resolve to live what they believe.
A few months ago I went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was my first time. I have felt the Spirit many times but not like this. I will be holy and try to bring my cousin next time to share my experience.
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by S.G.
I have been going to the temple and feeling the Spirit so strongly. My favorite Primary song is "I Love to See the Temple." Every time I hear the song I feel the Spirit. I know that through the temple I’ll be able to live with my family again. Knowing that is comforting because I love my family so much.
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by A. A.
Standing up for what you believe is probably the hardest but most wonderful thing to do.
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by S.G.
I have been going to the temple and feeling the Spirit so strongly. My favorite Primary song is "I Love to See the Temple." Every time I hear the song I feel the Spirit. I know that through the temple I’ll be able to live with my family again. Knowing that is comforting because I love my family so much.
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by A. A.
Standing up for what you believe is probably the hardest but most wonderful thing to do.
As Soon as I Got to Work, I Felt Amazing: Service Stories
Labels:
blessings of service,
charity,
stories by youth
So many in our stake have been touched by the spirit of serving. We hope you enjoy these little "service snippets"--mini testimonies of the blessings of serving our fellow man!
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We invited my mother-in-law to live with us when she was old. She appreciated it, and it made her happy. It also made my wife and I very happy.
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My mom was really busy trying to make cookies for tomorrow, but she had to work for a couple of hours, so I made them all for her.
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A couple of weeks ago we went to the bishop's storehouse for a couple of hours. After we left I felt really good.
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by Diego
I raked the Evans' leaves up, and I felt really good inside.
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Interpreting for a deaf member of our stake felt very worthwhile. I was grateful for the experience of helping someone else feel the Spirit during meetings.
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Young Women went around to the members' homes, and as an activity we did a race to do service opportunities for the ward members. It was fun to assist the girls as we did these random service opportunities. I liked seeing the happiness on the members' and girls' faces.
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by Jonah F.
Recently I served at Sister C's yard with the deacons. It took us two days, and on both days, I was kind of moody and feeling a little nauseous, but as soon as I got to work there, I felt great. It was like there was a wall and as soon as I got out of the car, I felt amazing. It made me feel so good.
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We invited my mother-in-law to live with us when she was old. She appreciated it, and it made her happy. It also made my wife and I very happy.
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My mom was really busy trying to make cookies for tomorrow, but she had to work for a couple of hours, so I made them all for her.
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by Emerson P.
We did a service project at Sister C's house and cleaned up her yard. It made me feel good. |
| Photo from LDS.org |
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A couple of weeks ago we went to the bishop's storehouse for a couple of hours. After we left I felt really good.
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by Diego
I raked the Evans' leaves up, and I felt really good inside.
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Interpreting for a deaf member of our stake felt very worthwhile. I was grateful for the experience of helping someone else feel the Spirit during meetings.
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Young Women went around to the members' homes, and as an activity we did a race to do service opportunities for the ward members. It was fun to assist the girls as we did these random service opportunities. I liked seeing the happiness on the members' and girls' faces.
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by Jonah F.
Recently I served at Sister C's yard with the deacons. It took us two days, and on both days, I was kind of moody and feeling a little nauseous, but as soon as I got to work there, I felt great. It was like there was a wall and as soon as I got out of the car, I felt amazing. It made me feel so good.
It Helped Better My Day: Service Stories
Labels:
blessings of service,
stories by youth
Enjoy all of these service stories from adults and youth from our stake.
by Ethan W.
We went to the Bishop's Storehouse for an activity. I felt happy and grateful that we could do it.
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The other night I was asked to go help with somebody's house. I would have stayed home and wasted the night away, but instead I chose to go. I had a fun time and a good conversation. It helped better my day and made me happy after a long day.
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Striking up a conversation with a store clerk who was being ignored by most customers, I felt like I went away with a new friend.
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by Porter J.
Doing service for Sister C. made me feel really good. I know that she is not able to do it on her own but it made me feel the Spirit.
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Well, I was driving with some friends and we saw someone stop on the road and looked like they needed help, so we pulled over and they had car trouble and they didn't have a phone, so one of my friends stayed with the family and we took the dad to a car shop to see if they could get a tow truck. We got one. They tried to pay us, but we said no. After that we all felt closer to one another and had more faith. We felt great.
by Ethan W.
We went to the Bishop's Storehouse for an activity. I felt happy and grateful that we could do it.
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The other night I was asked to go help with somebody's house. I would have stayed home and wasted the night away, but instead I chose to go. I had a fun time and a good conversation. It helped better my day and made me happy after a long day.
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Striking up a conversation with a store clerk who was being ignored by most customers, I felt like I went away with a new friend.
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by Porter J.
Doing service for Sister C. made me feel really good. I know that she is not able to do it on her own but it made me feel the Spirit.
*
Well, I was driving with some friends and we saw someone stop on the road and looked like they needed help, so we pulled over and they had car trouble and they didn't have a phone, so one of my friends stayed with the family and we took the dad to a car shop to see if they could get a tow truck. We got one. They tried to pay us, but we said no. After that we all felt closer to one another and had more faith. We felt great.
Serving Was Better Than Christmas Gifts
Labels:
blessings of service,
family,
finances,
stories by youth
by Chloe and Izabelle
Last year for Christmas, my mom's side of the family all decided to do service instead of presents. Every family was given $100 or so on Thanksgiving so we would have a month to serve people. My family found a family--a mom, dad, and two little girls. The dad in the family had cancer, and it was spreading throughout his body. He lost his leg because of it. Their medical bills were huge, and they could barely afford groceries. We gave them a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart so they could get groceries or presents or whatever they needed. It was amazing to know we helped those two little girls have Christmas and food. It was the best feeling in the world, a lot better than receiving a present.
*
With having young children, we have been able to serve by visiting the elderly. It has blessed us by teaching my children about service and that it makes us feel good by doing good for others.
*
by N.F.
Helping my daughter on her birthday: she works full time to help the family income. She has three children ages 5 to 15. My husband and I took dinner and treats. The kitchen needed cleaning. She did not have to do it when she got home later. It felt good to give her something she really needed. The relief on her face to have a clean kitchen and family room was so worth it. We were also able to help teach the kids about service to their mother.
*
I felt good inside when I get along with my friends.
Last year for Christmas, my mom's side of the family all decided to do service instead of presents. Every family was given $100 or so on Thanksgiving so we would have a month to serve people. My family found a family--a mom, dad, and two little girls. The dad in the family had cancer, and it was spreading throughout his body. He lost his leg because of it. Their medical bills were huge, and they could barely afford groceries. We gave them a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart so they could get groceries or presents or whatever they needed. It was amazing to know we helped those two little girls have Christmas and food. It was the best feeling in the world, a lot better than receiving a present.
*
With having young children, we have been able to serve by visiting the elderly. It has blessed us by teaching my children about service and that it makes us feel good by doing good for others.
*
by N.F.
Helping my daughter on her birthday: she works full time to help the family income. She has three children ages 5 to 15. My husband and I took dinner and treats. The kitchen needed cleaning. She did not have to do it when she got home later. It felt good to give her something she really needed. The relief on her face to have a clean kitchen and family room was so worth it. We were also able to help teach the kids about service to their mother.
*
I felt good inside when I get along with my friends.
Small and Simple Things
Labels:
blessings of service,
stories by youth
by Tara Cannon
Several years ago, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law suffered a miscarriage about halfway through the pregnancy. We took dinner to their family a time or two. I didn't realize what that might have meant to them, my sister-in-law especially, until I had a miscarriage myself a few years later. When I had other people acknowledge my own trial, it helped lift me up above my pain and grief.
*
by Savanna N.
Several years ago, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law suffered a miscarriage about halfway through the pregnancy. We took dinner to their family a time or two. I didn't realize what that might have meant to them, my sister-in-law especially, until I had a miscarriage myself a few years later. When I had other people acknowledge my own trial, it helped lift me up above my pain and grief.
*
When we went to the bishops' storehouse to help, I felt really happy.
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When we went to the bishops' storehouse to help, I felt really happy.
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by Nolan J.
We went over to Sister C.'s house and cleaned up her yard. It made me feel really good inside.
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We went to the bishops' storehouse and boxed food for people across the world.
We went over to Sister C.'s house and cleaned up her yard. It made me feel really good inside.
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We went to the bishops' storehouse and boxed food for people across the world.
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by Savanna N.
Helping a teacher with a student who has a different learning disability made me feel really good and special to know that I can help others.
*
by Martha Taylor
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by Martha Taylor
As a family we raked up leaves for an older neighbor unable to do it herself. I felt good and productive as I cleared her grass, sidewalk and gutter of rotting leaves. The smile of gratitude on her face showed me the happiness she had because we helped her. I loved doing this service as a family, also, because it made us feel close to one another. Playing in the leaves was also fun once our work was finished.
It Makes Me a Better Person
Labels:
blessings of service,
stories by youth
by Tammy Foote
I was able to serve an elderly sister in my ward on a regular basis. It was a blessing for me to slow down and take time out of my week to help her. I was sad when she no longer needed my help. Service makes me feel happy, and it makes me recognize that I am needed. It made me a better person and more aware of others and their needs.
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by Ann Layton
Sister Carol Ann Flint has, for years, provided a service for many of us by arranging for flowers, a
book, etc., when one of our friends or neighbors passes away.
*
by Lydia J.
My family watched my grandma's dogs while she was in Wyoming. I loves it because her dogs are so loving and cute. It made me feel happy inside.
*
by Tabitha M.
Whenever I do service it makes me feel warm. It helps me know that I am doing the right thing and am on the right path. It also can teach me new things so I can learn and teach others.
I was able to serve an elderly sister in my ward on a regular basis. It was a blessing for me to slow down and take time out of my week to help her. I was sad when she no longer needed my help. Service makes me feel happy, and it makes me recognize that I am needed. It made me a better person and more aware of others and their needs.
*
by Ann Layton
Sister Carol Ann Flint has, for years, provided a service for many of us by arranging for flowers, a
*
by Lydia J.
My family watched my grandma's dogs while she was in Wyoming. I loves it because her dogs are so loving and cute. It made me feel happy inside.
*
by Tabitha M.
Whenever I do service it makes me feel warm. It helps me know that I am doing the right thing and am on the right path. It also can teach me new things so I can learn and teach others.
Nothing Can Describe the Joy I Felt: Service Stories
Labels:
blessings of service,
finances,
stories by youth
Service has touched the lives of youth and adults in our stake in many ways:
There was a kid in my class that obviously was raised in a rough lifestyle. His standards were not the same as mine, but I was still friendly to him, so he respected my values. He was constantly being shifted between family members' homes, and one day I heard him mention that he didn't even have a coat. It hurt me so deeply that he couldn't even keep warm in his unstable home conditions in the winter season. I told my mom I wanted to get him a coat. My mom, being the kindhearted woman she is, agreed.
We purchased him a warm coat, and I wrote a note to go along with it. I left it on his chair in class anonymously. Nothing can describe the joy I felt when he received the coat. His eyes lit up and I was so glad that he could finally be warm--especially since he had to walk to and from school every day.
*
by Natalie Vickers
Taking time to occasionally visit our kids' three living great-grandmas at their homes and care centers blesses each of us to have a connection with elderly family members and helps them know we love them.
*
I mow a 93-year-old lady's lawn, and it makes me feel good that I can serve her and help her out.
*
My mom and family were out. My sister and I cleaned the house from top to bottom. I did this for my mother. I felt so good. I also felt like I did something that was appreciated. My mom was so happy.
There was a kid in my class that obviously was raised in a rough lifestyle. His standards were not the same as mine, but I was still friendly to him, so he respected my values. He was constantly being shifted between family members' homes, and one day I heard him mention that he didn't even have a coat. It hurt me so deeply that he couldn't even keep warm in his unstable home conditions in the winter season. I told my mom I wanted to get him a coat. My mom, being the kindhearted woman she is, agreed.
We purchased him a warm coat, and I wrote a note to go along with it. I left it on his chair in class anonymously. Nothing can describe the joy I felt when he received the coat. His eyes lit up and I was so glad that he could finally be warm--especially since he had to walk to and from school every day.
*
by Natalie Vickers
Taking time to occasionally visit our kids' three living great-grandmas at their homes and care centers blesses each of us to have a connection with elderly family members and helps them know we love them.
*
I mow a 93-year-old lady's lawn, and it makes me feel good that I can serve her and help her out.
*
My mom and family were out. My sister and I cleaned the house from top to bottom. I did this for my mother. I felt so good. I also felt like I did something that was appreciated. My mom was so happy.
All I Felt Was Love: Service Stories from Young Women Doing Good Daily
Labels:
blessings of service,
family,
gratitude,
stories by youth,
temple
These young women were asked what they've learned about service this year as they've been more mindful of doing good daily:
This Christmas season I learned that selfless service is just as much fun as doing service and being known for it. I love serving others, but when people don't know who is doing it, it makes serving so much more fun.
*
I have an example of not myself serving, but of being served. Just being a friend can help so much and be of so much service. A smile, an invitation to hang out, or even just sitting by me.
*
by Mikelle Ouzounian
Last year I went to Mexico and built houses for people and played with the orphans in the orphanage. I felt like none of my problems back home mattered anymore. All I wanted to do was help people make their living situation better.
*
by Abbee
Over the Christmas break, me and my family went to something called Prodsham's Family Christmas. It is where we go and help families who are less fortunate get clothes and food. It felt amazing to help them and theirs faces looked so happy.
*
I learned that service is unconditional.
*
Every year, my family goes to an event called the Prodsham's Family Christmas, an event for underprivileged families so they can have a Christmas. While there serving these families and seeing how excited they were to have clothes and food, let alone presents, I got this happy, light feeling in my heart, and it surprised me. I had expected to feel uncomfortable in the face of people who had so much less than I. But all I felt was love. My love for these people, their love for me, and our Heavenly Father's love for us all. Even though there was freezing snow and ice, I was kept warm by the love I felt while serving God's beloved children.
This Christmas season I learned that selfless service is just as much fun as doing service and being known for it. I love serving others, but when people don't know who is doing it, it makes serving so much more fun.
*
I have an example of not myself serving, but of being served. Just being a friend can help so much and be of so much service. A smile, an invitation to hang out, or even just sitting by me.
*
by Mikelle Ouzounian
Last year I went to Mexico and built houses for people and played with the orphans in the orphanage. I felt like none of my problems back home mattered anymore. All I wanted to do was help people make their living situation better.
 |
| from LDS.org |
by Abbee
Over the Christmas break, me and my family went to something called Prodsham's Family Christmas. It is where we go and help families who are less fortunate get clothes and food. It felt amazing to help them and theirs faces looked so happy.
*
I learned that service is unconditional.
*
Every year, my family goes to an event called the Prodsham's Family Christmas, an event for underprivileged families so they can have a Christmas. While there serving these families and seeing how excited they were to have clothes and food, let alone presents, I got this happy, light feeling in my heart, and it surprised me. I had expected to feel uncomfortable in the face of people who had so much less than I. But all I felt was love. My love for these people, their love for me, and our Heavenly Father's love for us all. Even though there was freezing snow and ice, I was kept warm by the love I felt while serving God's beloved children.
With Christ, I Can Do All Things
by Brianna Bown
(a Laurel in Young Women)
CHANGE. This is a word that most of us aren’t very comfortable with. Yes, change is exciting, but it can be hard to get used to.
At this time in our life, we as Laurels are going through some of the hardest stages of life. We have so many decisions and changes to make--a lot of them this year! We are deciding which college is best for us, or if we should even go to college right now. We are deciding whether or not a mission is for us. We are dating--well, trying to, at least! And eventually finding our eternal companions.
We have so many decisions to make--all within these upcoming years. Change is going to happen to us. This is kind of scary to think about! As we make these decisions we are DEFINITELY going to have temptations that may lead us down the wrong path.
In 2 Nephi 9:29 it says:
(a Laurel in Young Women)
CHANGE. This is a word that most of us aren’t very comfortable with. Yes, change is exciting, but it can be hard to get used to.
 |
| from http://mormonwoman.org |
At this time in our life, we as Laurels are going through some of the hardest stages of life. We have so many decisions and changes to make--a lot of them this year! We are deciding which college is best for us, or if we should even go to college right now. We are deciding whether or not a mission is for us. We are dating--well, trying to, at least! And eventually finding our eternal companions.
We have so many decisions to make--all within these upcoming years. Change is going to happen to us. This is kind of scary to think about! As we make these decisions we are DEFINITELY going to have temptations that may lead us down the wrong path.
In 2 Nephi 9:29 it says:
O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal.We will need to remember who we are and not give into the cunning one.
Be Grateful for Who You Are
Labels:
faith,
gratitude,
Jesus Christ,
self-worth,
stories by youth,
stories of faith
by Katie Messer, daughter of Bernadette Waldrop
(A Laurel in Young Women)
The other day a good friend decided to make a cake. It looked really, really good. The problem was she mixed up the quantity of sugar with salt. She put in a cup of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. It looked good to eat, but looks can be deceiving.
I mean look at my mom--she looks weak and fragile, but she’s full of spit and vinegar, as my Dindin would say, and won’t lie down and die. Just kidding--I love you mom! But now that you’re all listening… it’s back to the cake.
You can look at that cake and imagine how good it tastes, admire how much work was put into making it, and wish your cakes looked just as good when they were frosted and decorated. You look at the beauty of the cake, sneak a taste of the frosting as you “accidentally” brush by the cake, and think more envious thoughts toward the baker of this apparent divine culinary masterpiece.
But looks can be deceiving. Remember the salt and sugar mix up? One decent mouthful of that “culinary masterpiece” will have you spitting in your napkin or rushing to the porcelain masterpiece. Things just aren’t always what they seem.
I’ve found nowadays that we focus so much on the best qualities of others, and compare ourselves to those qualities thinking, “If only I was as good as so-and-so.” What you don’t know is that so-and-so is struggling with the same insecurities, wishing their talents away for the perceived talents, qualities, and looks of others. We constantly compare ourselves to others, thinking they are perfect and have it all together, when really there is only one who was perfect and had it all together, and that was Christ.
(A Laurel in Young Women)
The other day a good friend decided to make a cake. It looked really, really good. The problem was she mixed up the quantity of sugar with salt. She put in a cup of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. It looked good to eat, but looks can be deceiving.
I mean look at my mom--she looks weak and fragile, but she’s full of spit and vinegar, as my Dindin would say, and won’t lie down and die. Just kidding--I love you mom! But now that you’re all listening… it’s back to the cake. You can look at that cake and imagine how good it tastes, admire how much work was put into making it, and wish your cakes looked just as good when they were frosted and decorated. You look at the beauty of the cake, sneak a taste of the frosting as you “accidentally” brush by the cake, and think more envious thoughts toward the baker of this apparent divine culinary masterpiece.
But looks can be deceiving. Remember the salt and sugar mix up? One decent mouthful of that “culinary masterpiece” will have you spitting in your napkin or rushing to the porcelain masterpiece. Things just aren’t always what they seem.
I’ve found nowadays that we focus so much on the best qualities of others, and compare ourselves to those qualities thinking, “If only I was as good as so-and-so.” What you don’t know is that so-and-so is struggling with the same insecurities, wishing their talents away for the perceived talents, qualities, and looks of others. We constantly compare ourselves to others, thinking they are perfect and have it all together, when really there is only one who was perfect and had it all together, and that was Christ.
Facing My Physical Challenges with Faith and Work
by Karlee
(A Beehive in Young Women)
My name is Karlee, and I am 12 years old.
In a conference talk, "The Race of Life," President Thomas S. Monson says: “How grateful we should be that a wise Creator fashioned an earth and placed us here, with a veil of forgetfulness of our previous existence so that we might experience a time of testing, an opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has prepared for us to receive. Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain a body of flesh and bones.”
At a very early age I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This has made my physical body not work the way I would like sometimes. Part of my test here on earth is to deal with my limitations as well as the occasional teasing that may come from me not being able to do all that someone without Cerebral Palsy can do. This test in my life is making me a stronger person and I will be blessed for being strong and overcoming these challenges.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced started with the doctors telling me I would never ride a bike, play basketball and even go to school with my friends.
I faced these challenges head on, and with the help of my parents and family and friends I’m able to do all the things the doctors said I couldn’t do.
(A Beehive in Young Women)
My name is Karlee, and I am 12 years old.
 |
| Karlee in 2012 |
In a conference talk, "The Race of Life," President Thomas S. Monson says: “How grateful we should be that a wise Creator fashioned an earth and placed us here, with a veil of forgetfulness of our previous existence so that we might experience a time of testing, an opportunity to prove ourselves in order to qualify for all that God has prepared for us to receive. Clearly, one primary purpose of our existence upon the earth is to obtain a body of flesh and bones.”
At a very early age I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. This has made my physical body not work the way I would like sometimes. Part of my test here on earth is to deal with my limitations as well as the occasional teasing that may come from me not being able to do all that someone without Cerebral Palsy can do. This test in my life is making me a stronger person and I will be blessed for being strong and overcoming these challenges.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced started with the doctors telling me I would never ride a bike, play basketball and even go to school with my friends.
I faced these challenges head on, and with the help of my parents and family and friends I’m able to do all the things the doctors said I couldn’t do.
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